Reporter, Oregon Capital Chronicle

Job Description

Join a newsroom dedicated to serving as a state government watchdog in a beautiful, diverse state with abundant recreational choices, vibrant cultural activities, good food and a strong political culture.

The Oregon Capital Chronicle covers politics and state government, with a special emphasis on showing how decisions made in the statehouse impact the lives of Oregonians. Our stories shed light on how Oregon passes laws, spends tax dollars and carries out major projects, and readers around the state depend on us to keep tabs on the latest action in Salem. 

As part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization, the Capital Chronicle believes in enlisting and empowering journalists to do ambitious, impactful work. 

This Salem-based reporter will cover the Oregon Legislature, state agencies and statewide elections. The ideal reporter will know how to work a beat, file public records requests and develop sources to break news and produce enterprise pieces showing how public policies affect Oregonians. They will be driven by an ambition to hold public officials accountable and take readers beyond the obvious.

We value clear, concise writing and stories that take a wider view, avoiding jargon and process while focusing on impact. States Newsroom reporters are expected to publish four stories or briefs a week.

 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Produce regular, high-quality reporting on Oregon government and its impact on Oregonians
• Contribute regularly to the Capital Chronicle’s briefs section
• Generate story ideas with the editor
• Pursue story leads with self-direction and news judgment
• Approach assignments on deadline with strong communication and follow through with the editor and colleagues
• Collaborate with other reporters and assist with research and pertinent knowledge when/if available
• Establish and expand social media presence representing the outlet
• Take photos to illustrate stories

BENEFITS & COMPENSATION

The minimum salary for this position is $55,000 and rises with experience. Relocation stipend will be considered. Our generous benefits package includes:

• Premium-free platinum health care for employees and their families (i.e., nothing comes out of your paycheck!)
• Four weeks of vacation per year
• Two weeks of personal leave per year
• 20 hours of paid volunteer time per year
• 11 paid holidays per year
• $75 monthly cell phone reimbursement
• $200 cell phone replacement benefit every two years
• $75 monthly fitness benefit
• 401K with up to 3% match
• 12 weeks of parental leave
• Full-service EAP
• Annual DeleteMe subscription

A laptop and any necessary equipment will be provided by States Newsroom.

ABOUT OUR CULTURE

States Newsroom is dedicated to producing journalism at all levels — from quick hit to investigative — but not at the expense of burning out its employees. We are supportive, exciting, welcoming and positive. We believe in creating sustainable careers for journalists on the crucial state government beat.

States Newsroom’s mission is to connect people to the power that shapes their daily lives through relentless reporting and incisive commentary on state government and policy. Journalism is a powerful force for social change, uniquely suited to challenging systemic inequality and racism. Our goal is to build an organization that fulfills that mission.

At States Newsroom, we believe we strengthen our work and improve our insights when we incorporate the perspectives of people who come from different backgrounds and have had different experiences. We are committed to diversity and prioritize equity in all recruiting and hiring. We are always working to better represent our communities and are supported in these efforts by a network-wide Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice committee.

Job Requirements

We’re looking for candidates with at least three years previous news reporting and/or editing experience (some student journalism counts), sound news judgment, flexibility and the ability to manage ongoing and short-term projects with strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Authorization to work in the United States is required. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

 

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume with three professional references and at least three links or clips to jobs@statesnewsroom.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

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